Arabian sights

DUBAI – Modern day Dubai is an Emirate of glass and steel towers glimmering golden under the desert sun, architectural marvels that mirror the young city’s forward-looking vision.

The United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is part of, was federated some 30 years ago. But while its character is that of a very young place, Dubai’s history dates much further back in time.

Though not so well documented, there is archaeological evidence that points to the existence of fishing communities along the coast of the Arabian Gulf as early as the 3rd millennium BC.

Like other old cities that became great centers of commerce, Dubai was built along the banks of a waterway, the Dubai Creek. For the longest time, it was a major port of call along the international trade routes.

Present-day Dubai traces its beginnings to a small village at Shindagha settled by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe. The Maktoum family, descended from the tribe, still rules Dubai to this day.

Dubai’s fascinating history, lifeways and wealth of material culture are showcased in the Dubai Museum, housed within the Al Fahidi Fort, a defense structure built in 1778. The museum was formally opened in 1971 after extensive restoration. Today, the museum is a must on every visitor’s itinerary.

Entrance to the museum is through a huge, carved wooden door that leads into a foyer. Here, blowup photographs and very readable exhibition notes give guests an overview of Dubai’s history.

The foyer opens to a courtyard where a popular item on display is an ancient cannon which has been in the fort since its inception.

A brick-paved walk leads to the South Tower where a gallery of ancient weaponry as well as their manner of production is on display.

It is also here where the guide gives a backgrounder on the materials used in the construction of the fort. Fortifications such as the Al Fahidi are built from sea rock and lime and tribal leaders were expected to build one for the people’s safety.

An exact replica of a traditional house, the Al Kaih Mah, sits just past the tower exit.

Traditional houses such as this are made of palm fronds bunched up and bound tightly together. There is a summer and winter room and though they are used in different seasons, both are furnished with the most colorful silk and woolen carpets.

A unique feature of the house is the wind tower. An ancient form of air-conditioning, wind towers are equipped with burlap panels angled in such a way that they are able to catch cool breezes and funnel these into the summer room.

Attached to the house is a room that functions as the kitchen. It is a minimalist affair with nothing more than a couple of cooking utensils, the fire pit and bundles of chopped wood for fuel.

Close by the house is a platform, also made of palm fronds, elevated some three feet above ground. This functions as an outdoor bed for use in the hot summer months.

Before reaching the East Tower, various types of boats line the walk from the big Khor Badush, which is used for people transport to the baggarah for pearl fishing.

Down a winding ramp at Al Fahidi’s East Tower is the piece de resistance. An MTV-style video takes one on a historical tour of Dubai in all of seven minutes.

From here, one steps out onto a boat anchored by the banks of the Dubai Creek. Down the gangplank and voila! One becomes part of a life-sized diorama, a Souk recreated. Souks, those labyrinthine centers of commerce, are said to be the heart of Arabia.

At the Dubai Museum, they have done a wonderful job of replicating this unique trading center. As one traverses the Souk’s narrow alleys, vignettes of everyday life unfold – pearl traders haggle, a tailor sews a garment, Muslim girls graduating from school, and other compositions. A stunning feature of the tableau is the holograms of traditional artists at work on their pottery and metal craft, to name a few.

Commerce then gives way to domestic life as the exhibit changes in theme and moves on to Dubai’s domestic life.

The desert, the traditional habitat of Bedouins, the early inhabitants of the Arabian region, is the subject of the next module. An interactive exhibit lets guests experience a starlit desert night and, through the magic of video, see wild desert animals in action.

The last featured exhibit focuses on Dubai’s enduring love affair with the sea. It traces how the arid desert climate compelled people to seek an alternative source of livelihood, in this case fishing. As such, the activity further spawned allied activities such as ship-building, net-weaving and pearl fishing.

The life and times of Dubai’s rich history deserves nothing less than this great museum.